There is hereby established a Commission on Human Rights. The
Commission shall consist of five (5) members who shall be appointed
by a majority of the members of the City Council from among the residents
of the City and who shall serve as such without compensation. The
City Council shall endeavor to include individuals on the Commission
from various protected categories that have historically been discriminated
against. Of the five (5) members first (1st) appointed, two (2) shall
be appointed for one (1) year, two (2) shall be appointed for two
(2) years and one (1) shall be appointed for three (3) years. Thereafter,
appointment shall be for terms of three (3) years. In the event of
the death, resignation or removal of any member, his/her successor
shall be appointed to serve for the unexpired period of the term for
which such member had been appointed.
A.
The
Commission shall elect a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson and Secretary
from among its members and create and fill such other offices as it
may determine. The term of such elective officers shall be for one
(1) year.
B.
The
Commission shall meet periodically as necessary. The Chairperson shall
preside at all meetings. Three (3) members shall constitute a quorum
at any meeting.
C.
The
Commission shall adopt rules and procedures for the conduct and transaction
of its business and shall keep a record of its proceedings.
D.
Any
Commission member having three (3) unscheduled absences without good
cause within a period of one (1) year, or who shall be absent from
three (3) consecutive regular meetings without consent of the Chairperson
or person acting in such Chairperson's stead, shall automatically
forfeit such office, and the Chairperson shall promptly notify the
City Council through the City Clerk of such vacancy.
A.
The
Commission shall have the following functions, powers and duties:
1.
To encourage fair treatment for and to foster mutual understanding
and respect among, and to discourage discrimination against, any racial,
ethnic, religious or other group protected by this Chapter, members
of these groups or persons with disabilities.
2.
To formulate and carry out educational programs designed to minimize or eliminate those discriminatory practices made unlawful by Article III of this Chapter.
3.
To receive and investigate complaints alleging any discriminatory practices made unlawful by Article III of this Chapter.
4.
To implement the purposes of this Chapter by conference, conciliation
and persuasion so that persons may be guaranteed their civil rights
and good will be fostered.
5.
To provide mediation services to resolve incidences of alleged discriminatory practices made unlawful by Article III of this Chapter.
6.
To cooperate with other organizations, private and public, to discourage
discrimination.
7.
To advise the City Council on human rights issues.
8.
To hold public hearings on the state of human rights and relations
in the City and on specific human rights issues.
9.
To sponsor or initiate specifically targeted workshops and ongoing
programs to improve human relations and to decrease tensions in the
City.
10.
To present informational programs on human rights to school, business,
service and other organizations.
11.
To formulate policies and to adopt, promulgate, amend and rescind
suitable rules and regulations to carry out the provisions of this
Chapter and said policies of the Commission in connection therewith.
12.
To provide each year to the City Council a full written report of
all its activities and of its recommendations.
